Commercial Methods of Bee Rearing

Commercial beekeeping, also known as apiculture, focuses on the large-scale production of honey, beeswax, and other bee-related products such as propolis and royal jelly. Successful commercial beekeeping involves the use of modern equipment and techniques to manage bee colonies efficiently, maximize honey production, and ensure the health of the bees. Here’s a breakdown of commercial methods of bee rearing:

A) Types of Beekeeping Systems

1. Indigenous Methods of Beekeeping

• Traditional Beekeeping: Indigenous methods typically use traditional hives made from local materials. These systems are more common in small-scale operations, and they may not be as efficient or productive as modern techniques.
  • Hives Used:
    • Log Hives: A hollowed-out log or tree trunk used as a natural hive.
    • Mud/Clay Hives: Locally made hives from clay or mud, used by small-scale beekeepers.
  • Limitations: Difficult to monitor the health of the colony. Limited ability for honey extraction. Lack of control over brood and honey storage.

B) Modern Beekeeping Systems

Modern beekeeping employs more sophisticated methods for managing colonies and harvesting honey, making it possible to manage hundreds or thousands of hives.

2. Types of Hives Used in Commercial Beekeeping

Movable Frame Hives (Modern Method)

Movable frame hives are the standard in commercial beekeeping because they provide easy management of bee colonies and facilitate honey extraction. They are designed for both efficiency and high honey yield.

• Langstroth Hive: The most widely used hive in commercial beekeeping. Consists of removable frames that allow beekeepers to inspect colonies, replace frames, and harvest honey. Benefits: Enables inspection of individual frames, control of the colony, and ease of honey extraction.
• Top-Bar Hive: Simpler, with horizontal bars on which bees build comb. More common in organic or smaller-scale operations. Benefits: Easier to construct and maintain; often used by hobbyists and smaller beekeepers.
• Warre Hive: Also known as the “People’s Hive,” it is a vertical hive that allows bees to build honeycomb naturally without interference. Benefits: Simpler and designed to mimic natural bee habitats.

Essential Beekeeping Equipment in Commercial Operations

i) Queen Excluder

• Function: Prevents the queen from entering the honey supers (where honey is stored) while allowing worker bees to move freely between the brood and honey storage areas.
• Benefits: Ensures that honey stored in the supers is free of brood (larvae and eggs).

ii) Honey Extractor  A mechanical device used to extract honey from the comb by spinning the frames. This allows the honey to be removed without destroying the beeswax.

• Types:
  • Manual Extractor: Hand-operated, best suited for small-scale operations.
  • Electric Extractor: Motorized version for larger, commercial operations.
• Benefits: Maximizes honey yield and minimizes waste.

iii) Uncapping Knife Used to remove the wax cappings from honeycomb cells before honey is extracted.

• Types:
  • Hot Knife: Heated to melt the wax cappings as they are cut.
  • Cold Knife: Used for mechanical uncapping without heat.
• Benefits: Ensures efficient extraction by exposing the honey-filled cells.

iv) Smoker

• Function: Produces smoke to calm the bees during hive inspections or honey harvesting, reducing the likelihood of bee stings.
• Benefits: Makes it easier and safer to handle bees without stressing them.

v) Hive Tool

• Function: A multi-purpose tool used to open hives, scrape off propolis (resin), and manage frames.
• Benefits: Essential for day-to-day hive management, especially when handling bees or checking for diseases.

vi) Bee Brush

• Function: A soft brush used to gently remove bees from frames without harming them.
• Benefits: Helps beekeepers handle frames without damaging bees.

Management of Bee Colonies

i) Swarm Management Swarming occurs when a colony becomes overcrowded and a new queen leaves with a group of worker bees to form a new colony. Prevention: Beekeepers can prevent swarming by managing hive space, splitting colonies, or removing queen cells.

ii) Feeding the Bees Supplemental Feeding: During periods of nectar dearth or winter, bees may require supplemental feeding, such as sugar syrup or pollen patties, to maintain their health. Sugar Syrup: A common supplement that helps feed the bees when there is a shortage of nectar.

iii) Disease and Pest Management Varroa Mite Control: Varroa mites are one of the most common pests that affect bee colonies. Regular inspection and treatment with mite control agents are essential. Fungal and Bacterial Diseases: Diseases such as Nosema or American Foulbrood can affect bee health, requiring regular monitoring and treatment.

Harvesting and Honey Extraction

i) Honey Harvesting

• Timing: Honey should be harvested when the honeycombs are fully capped, indicating that the honey is mature and ready for extraction.
• Methods: Use the uncapping knife to remove wax cappings from honeycomb cells. Extract honey using the honey extractor to spin the honey out without damaging the comb.

ii) Bee Products

• Beeswax: After honey extraction, the leftover beeswax can be purified and used in products like candles, cosmetics, and skincare.
• Propolis: A resin collected by bees from tree buds and used to seal the hive. It has medicinal properties and can be sold for its health benefits.
• Royal Jelly: A substance produced by worker bees for feeding the queen, used in supplements and cosmetics.

Hive Management for Maximum Honey Production

• Hive Inspection Regular inspections are critical to ensure that the colony is healthy and that there is enough space for bees to build new comb. Checking for pests and diseases is essential.
• Pollination In addition to honey production, commercial beekeepers may rent their hives to farmers for crop pollination, especially for crops like almonds, blueberries, and cucumbers, where bee pollination significantly increases yields.